Choosing a Round Soaking Tub

Until very recently, the round soaking tub was not that commonly found it the West but it has become popular amongst people who enjoy a nice long soak. If you have been considering adding one of these to your home but are not quite sure if it will be a good match for you, the following information will hopefully help you make up your mind.

As you can tell, the round soaking tub is designed primarily for taking a nice long soak. Americans, and much of the world in general, have moved away from taking the time out of their day to take a bath and instead have begun to use showers instead. However, this robs you of the many benefits that relaxing in hot water can provide to your body, especially your muscles and bones.

One of the most popular styles of round or oval soaking tub is known as the Japanese Ofuro, and it is the traditional bathtub of Japan. Interestingly enough, these tubs were not even originally used for bathing as it was a common practice to shower off before even getting in. It was possibly designed originally to build up the body’s resistance against the cold during the winter months and its use caught on over time.

The Japanese soak tub is traditionally barrel shaped and made from wood. They are not as long as the Western style of bathtub, but they are tall and deep so you will be able to soak up to your chin if you like. The modern variations of this bathtub are slightly different however and as such Westerners will find them more comfortable. For one thing, they usually have seats built in that will allow you to bathe while sitting upright. They will often have other modern luxuries built in such as whirlpool jets which can provide you with a soothing massage.

Besides being able to bathe in deep water comfortably, you may also want to have a small soaking corner tub installed in your home due to its space saving properties. They are excellent for smaller sized bathrooms because they do not take up as much space as traditional Western bathtubs do. The two most common models are the drop in style that is installed beneath the floor and the freestanding model which can easily be moved from one location to another. The drop in style does require a bit more work, but saves the most space.

The round soaking tub can be found in a wide variety of materials, but for the most part you will probably choose something in an acrylic / fiberglass mixture. Cast iron tubs are the most traditional, but they can be very heavy and expensive. Make sure that you visit a few showrooms that deal in bathroom fixtures so you can view a few different models up close before making your choice.